Bharat (India)

Special Olympics Libya completed a flawless group stage at the Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 with an emphatic victory, following earlier wins over Ecuador and Spain.

In this series, meet the athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and officials whose journeys to Paris are filled with determination, friendship, and inclusion.

Around the world, the conversation about women in sport is gaining momentum. This progress creates a vital opportunity to ensure that women and girls with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are equally represented and empowered. Across communities, they are ready to engage more fully in sport as it is the catalyst to fuel confidence and discover pathways to leadership.

[Paris, France – 16 April 2026] The road to the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 took a major step forward as the official tournament Draw Ceremony was held at the headquarters of the French Football Federation in Paris on 16 April.

[Paris, France - 19 February 2026] On 19 February, more than 200 Special Olympics athletes, Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities), and media convened at the City Hall in Paris, France for a landmark moment: the official unveiling of the 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams selected to compete in the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026.

Bhutan’s Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) signed a landmark MoU with Special Olympics Bhutan, outlining a long-term vision to expand Unified Champion Schools® programming.

The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition recently wrapped up, with 80 badminton players, including 63 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 17 unified partners.